Tax Tips: You can file your taxes online for FREE

With computer access and an internet connection, taxpayers may be able to file their taxes for free online. If you earn $54,000 or less, you can prepare and file your federal taxes for free through the Free File Alliance. The IRS estimates that about 97 million taxpayers will be eligible to use this service this year.

You can access Free File through the IRS website, where you will have to select a company to file with. The companies service different states and income levels, and there are about 20 companies on the list, so be prepared. One of the advantages to preparing your return online is that the computer makes a few accuracy checks to help you.

By filing online you can get your refund faster than through paper filing, and if you can file for free, why not?

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.